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Geelong with Kids

Going off the rails with family plans?

Published 2 months ago • 3 min read

Hey Reader

Let me ask you something...

Are you like me?

You know... you've had some great family adventures so far this year, but you still focus on that list of "must-do" activities you made back in January that's been sitting untouched on your phone?

To the point that maybe you ignore all the beach days and playground discoveries, and instead just feel guilty about not being the "organised family activities coordinator" you thought you'd become this year?

Yeah. Me too.

I figured I wasn't the only one, so I'm just reaching out to let you know that hey! You aren't alone in it.

In fact, your Geelong with Kids newsletter writer is right here with you, looking at her ambitious "2025 Family Goals List" and realising we're already in October and half of it is still undone.

Let's give each other some grace, shall we?

The truth is, some of the best family memories happen when we're not following any plan at all. When we just say "let's go see what's happening" and end up discovering something wonderful we never would have found on a carefully curated list.

Anyway... enough about that. You're on this list because you want to know what's happening around Geelong for families.

So here's what I've got for you this week - a mix of planned events and those beautiful "just turn up and see what happens" kind of spots that make spring in Geelong so special for families.

Keep going. You're doing better than you think.

Joyce xx

Top Picks

  • ​Durga Puja 2025 (Friday 3 Oct - Sunday 5 Oct) Experience one of Bengal's grandest festivals with the Geelong Bengali community through authentic rituals, cultural performances, delicious food and colourful market stalls.
  • ​The Ultimate Family Disco (Saturday 4 Oct) Dance across generations with easy-to-follow routines, song requests from kinder kids to grandparents, and a photographer capturing all the memories on the dance floor.
  • ​Adjusting for Change Charity Day (Saturday 4 Oct) A free family-friendly community event at The IN8 Life Chiropractic Studio raising funds for Destiny Rescue, featuring kids' activities, live music, food trucks and more.
  • ​Chinese Moon Festival Concert (Saturday 4 Oct) Celebrate this traditional harvest festival with Chinese cultural performances, multicultural shows, and hands-on moon cake making for a sweet cultural experience.
  • ​Schooner Enterprize Sails (Saturday 4 Oct - Sunday 5 Oct) Step back in time on this beautiful 1830s replica vessel with one-hour day sails or 90-minute evening sails around Corio Bay – help hoist the sails or simply relax.
  • ​Kids+ Kites Festival (Sunday 5 Oct) This free, accessible community festival at Rippleside Park brings families together for kite flying displays, entertainment, face painting and more with stunning bay views.
  • ​Young Endeavour Open Day (Sunday 5 Oct) Explore this Royal Australian Navy sail training ship for free, meet the crew, hear from ambassadors and discover how teens aged 16-23 can apply for their own voyage adventure.
  • ​Making Monsters at MoPA (Daily until Sunday 5 Oct) Last chance to unleash your little one's creativity with MoPA's beloved school holiday craft activity where kids design their own multimodal paper puppet monsters.
  • ​Giant Chocolate Lollipop Making (Daily until Sunday 5 Oct) Drop in for a deliciously fun family activity where everyone creates their own giant chocolate lollipop loaded with toppings for just $10 per person.

New + Noteworthy

​Pedal With Purpose​

Ride the UCI World Championship circuit for free with the whole family (ages six and up), then stick around for the SpinOff Festival featuring live music, food trucks, face painting and a silent disco.

Cap it off by cheering on elite teams competing for the world title – it's community cycling at its most exciting.
​
📍 Eastern Beach Park, Geelong
📅 Friday 17 October

​Bluey Takes The Stage​

For real life!

The Heelers are bringing puppetry, original music and a brand-new story to Geelong Arts Centre as part of their 2026 Australian tour.

This 50-minute theatrical adventure is perfect for little fans (and their grown-ups) who've been waiting since 2022 to see Bluey, Bingo and family in action beyond the screen.

PARTNER CONTENT

​Belmont Base Camp​

Your family's Geelong adventure starts here with playgrounds, arcade games, a children's pool area and BBQ facilities all on-site.

Tasman Holiday Parks in Belmont puts you five minutes from GMHBA Stadium and close to all the action, while giving everyone space to relax between adventures.

Perfect for families who want comfort without the fuss.

​Strawberry Fields Forever​

A 130-year tradition meets modern family fun at this beloved Bellarine Peninsula event. Feast on fresh strawberry treats, browse artisan market stalls, enjoy live entertainment and let the kids loose on rides and activities.

Every dollar raised supports local students, and the whole community comes together for a day that's equal parts delicious and heartwarming.
​
📍 Wallington Primary School, Wallington​
📅 Sunday 2 November

​Rev Up The Weekend​

Watch 300 classic cars and motorcycles sprint at full throttle down Ritchie Boulevard, then wander among 800 fascinating vehicles lining the waterfront.

The vintage lifestyle zone brings live music, the National Vintage Fashion Awards, and retro caravans, while kids enjoy the festive atmosphere and everyone gets free entry (except Pits/VIP). It's nostalgia meets horsepower meets family day out by the water.
​
📍 Geelong Waterfront, Geelong​
📅 Friday 28 November - Sunday 30 November

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